Chosen by the Student Government Association as November's honoree just before the semester break and announced at Wednesday's SGA meeting, Ethan I. Burch is the latest "Student of the Month" at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Characterized as "outstanding, mature and hard-working," the Williamsport resident is scheduled to graduate in May with an associate degree in mass media communication.
"As a student assistant at the Madigan Library, he goes above and beyond what is expected to not only familiarize himself with, but also to uphold, the policies and procedures of the college and the library," his nominators wrote. "In addition, he is always welcoming of any task that is presented to him, no matter how challenging."
Among such projects, they noted, are preparation of a video tutorial for student assistants and creation of fliers for a recent series of ComiXnite events at the library.
"His friendliness and respect toward patrons and ... co-workers is unmatched. And his dedication to the college and the library are evident with his positive demeanor (even when working on a tight schedule or under pressure, he is rarely seen without a smile on his face) and his willingness to be flexible with his schedule to help meet the needs of the library when necessary," colleagues said.
Burch also is involved with the WPTC radio station on campus, helping out with public-service announcements and hosting the "Soul Satellite" show.
He is instrumental in the "Dry Bike Penn College" effort, which, augmented by a Facebook group and humorous (though pointed) video, brought to light that there wasn't a sheltered campus location where he could secure his bicycle during rainy weather.
"Unlike many people, when Ethan noticed a problem, rather than just complaining about it, he approached it in a very respectful and positive light, and is actively working with individuals on campus to try to find a solution," his nominators continued.
"To us, he is an exemplary student that upholds the ideals and commitments of the college. He is someone who is positive and motivated ... someone who is not afraid to offer solutions rather than just presenting the problem," they added. "We believe that not one person who has come into the library and interacted with him left dissatisfied."
The Student of the Month is selected numerous times each academic year based on commitment, service, role-model behavior, academics, leadership and campus involvement.
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